Swansea v Latics Preview

The Latics travel down to South Wales this afternoon to face Swansea looking to follow on from the excellent performance last time out against Everton

Unfortunately we have our longest trip of the season coming on the back of the latest international break, to say that we don't perform too well following these interruptions to the season would be something of an understatement, arguably our two worst performances last season came on the back of international breaks, ironically one was against Swansea at the DW back in March, we have already suffered this season too, at Old Trafford, that was a day to forget, so let's hope for a better showing today

Following a bright start to the season for Swansea, when they picked up seven of their current total of eight points in the first three games, their form dipped dramatically, in particular their home form, which was one of their strengths last season. There has also been talk of dressing room unrest with not all players in favour of the techniques used by boss Michael Laudrop, who replaced Brendan Rodgers in the summer.

Latics were looking like their old selves against Everton, pity the break stopped the momentum, a good performance today would set us up nicely for the run-in to the Christmas period, did I just mention Christmas!

It would be great to pick up all three points today, but I would be very pleased with a good performance and a draw

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'Swansea had a tremendous season in the Premier League last year and this is a very important game for both sides.

'Any link between me and my coaching staff and Swansea has now become just a memory, and the important thing this weekend is the three points.

'It's not the novelty occasion it perhaps was last year - that's gone.

'I will never lose my memories, because my time in Swansea was very special, very important and unique - not just as a manager but as a player and a captain.

'I had a long, long relationship with Swansea City - it wasn't just over one or two seasons, and we went really close to what we wanted to achieve.

'But now it's not about a former manager going back to Swansea, it's about two clubs trying to compete in the best league in the world - where we both always want to be.'


Swansea boss Michael Laudrop:

'I hope we can continue the performance we showed against Reading. The way we came back was really great and we were fantastic in that second half - always creating chances.

'But we also have to try and stop the opposition scoring goals, particularly in the first half of games.

'But we are at home on Saturday and we want to win the game.'

Neil Taylor is missing due to a long term injury

Swansea possible - Vorm, Rangel, Davies, Flores, Williams, Britton, Ki, Michu, Dyer, Routledge, Graham.

Looks a top player

Antolin Alcaraz is still out, fitness tests will be carried out on Figueroa and Beausejour following their extensive travelling during the international break

Latics probable - Al Habsi, Ramis, Caldwell, Figueroa, Boyce, Beausejour, McArthur, McCarthy, Maloney, Di Santo, Kone

Expect Franco to be roaring now he's back to full fitness

Latics and Swansea have met 21 times

Latics 10 wins, Swansea 8, draws 3

Last Six Meetings

03/03/12 - Premier League - Wigan 0 Swansea 2
20/08/11 - Premier League - Swansea 0 Wigan 0
26/10/2010 - Carling Cup - Wigan 2 Swansea 0
6/01/2001 - League Div 2 - Wigan 2 Swansea 0
2/08/2000 - League Div 2 - Swansea 0 Wigan 0
5/01/1997 - League Div 3 - Wigan 3 Swansea 2

Mike Jones (Chester)

Why not take a look at our 'Meet The Ref' article

Mike Jones Card Watch 2012/13

Games - 7, yellows - 19, reds - 0

Head and heart say 1-1 this week, so that's what I'll go with

Premier League
Latics v West Ham
DW Stadium
Saturday
27/10/12
3pm

Capital One Cup
Latics v Bradford City
DW Stadium
Tuesday
30/10/12
7:45pm

Take a listen to the latest podcast featuring the Swansea preview:















Latics and Proud



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